Business Communication Archives

Business Communication, Communication, Speaking

Where are You Shining Your Spotlight?

Where are you shining your spotlight? It showed up again the other night. A friend was telling me a story as we sat at the restaurant, and her eyes never met mine. From the moment she began to describe what happened, she gazed up and to the right, disconnecting from me. It’s a common habit. It might be yours. Here’s why it’s a problem. Imagine your face as a spotlight. Every time you start a conversation you shine that spotlight somewhere. You’ll have more impact if you shine it on the people you’re talking with.

Catherine Johns | Jul 1, 2026

Business Communication, Mindset

The Problem with Remote Work

Let us finish. Isn’t it frustrating when you’re trying to make a point in a meeting and somebody cuts you off? Chances are you know that feeling well. Especially if you’re a woman. Maybe you’ve seen the essay floating around social media about women being interrupted more often than men. It cites research in conference rooms and classrooms, and even the Supreme Court chambers.
The female justices are interrupted nearly four times as often as their judicial brethren.

Catherine Johns | Jun 24, 2026

group of happy engaged workers around a conference table

Business Communication, Communication, Men and Women

Let Us Finish

Let us finish. Isn’t it frustrating when you’re trying to make a point in a meeting and somebody cuts you off? Chances are you know that feeling well. Especially if you’re a woman. Maybe you’ve seen the essay floating around social media about women being interrupted more often than men. It cites research in conference rooms and classrooms, and even the Supreme Court chambers.
The female justices are interrupted nearly four times as often as their judicial brethren.

Catherine Johns | Jun 17, 2026

Business Communication

The language of leadership

The language of leadership. Can you imagine calling a colleague “piggy?” Labeling your accountant “low IQ?” How about erupting at your administrative assistant, telling her she’s a “very stupid person?” Of course you can’t. Full-grown adults in business don’t talk to each other that way. And yet … You’ve seen the quotes. President Trump insulting reporters, especially female reporters. Cutting them off—and shutting them down—as they ask entirely reasonable questions about his decisions. And the results those decisions create for the rest of us.
Are you as offended as I am?

Catherine Johns | May 20, 2026

Photo of Donald Trump screaming from podium in 2011 CPAC convention - Photo by Mark Taylor from Rockville, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Business Communication, Speaking

Does What You Say Make an Impact?

Does what you say make an impact? Making sure every word really lands is more important than ever. Because in general, we’re using fewer words! That means if you want to have any influence at all, you need to speak in a way that really connects, drives your point home, and stays with your listeners over time. Here’s what’s going on when it comes to talking …

Catherine Johns | Apr 8, 2026